Dani Alves lashes out at former club Barcelona; says they don't know how to treat its players

Madrid: Brazilian right back Dani Alves has slammed Barcelona directors for their treatment of him during his final seasons with the Spanish club.

The former Barcelona star signed for Serie A champions Juventus on a free transfer last summer after eight years with the Catalan giants.

"Those who run Barcelona today have no idea how to treat their players," Alves told Spanish daily ABC on Monday.

File photo of Dani Alves in Barcelona colours. Reuters

"I like to feel wanted, and if they don't want me, I leave. Leaving Barca on a free was a classy punch. During my final three seasons I always heard that Alves was leaving, but the directors never said anything to my face.

"They were very false and ungrateful. They did not respect me. I was only offered a new deal when the Fifa transfer ban came in.

"That was when I played them at their own game and signed a deal with a termination clause."

Alves said he chose Juventus — bidding for a record sixth consecutive Serie A title this season — because he wanted a challenge outside his "comfort zone at a club with a history and a winning mentality".

"Here I'm happy and I have new and beautiful challenges in this great team. We have a team capable of challenging for the Champions League."